VUYO MKIZE
THEY PROMISED to bring Soweto to its knees with “ghetto gospel” like it had never seen before – and gospel star Kekeletso “Keke” Phoofolo and his Galaxy of the Stars choir did exactly that.
Hundreds of people filled Grace Bible Church in Pimville on Saturday, braving the evening winter chill, with blankets in their hands ready for what reveller Linda Magxunyana called “a transformation of lives and the manifestation of God”.
Despite initial glitches with seating arrangements and sound checks causing a late start to the show, by 6pm the church hall was roaring with the sound of applause and screams as Keke, his choir and band made an entrance on stage
For Nompumelelo Mashele, Kedibone Maloka, Dinah Madua, Ruth Nyanokole, Cleorece Davids, Kifilwe Molokomme, Victoria Roberts, Merriam Mbambala, Nokuthula Jonas, Gugu Dlamini, Gcina Biyela, Dominion Adams, Mojalefa Mosia, Gift Muthanyi and Mangena Mpheqeka, it was the night they had spent three months preparing for – their chance to shine and dazzle the gospel industry.
Keke’s search for 15 aspirant singers with raw talent was a joint venture with The Star Soweto Edition that sought to introduce the undiscovered talent to the gospel industry through the live DVD and album recording.
The Star newspaper’s head of marketing, Arnold Hicks, said: “This project has been showing people that there is a human face to news – taking newspapers to the community.”
From the moment they walked on stage for the first-hour set of the show, the choir enjoyed loud cheers from the crowd. People were jumping up and down and dancing to the 30 songs performed. The show included guest performances by other gospel artists. The atmosphere at the church hall was electric. Hands were in the air and some people were in tears.
After a 20-minute interval,
Biyela and Muthanyi sang powerful solos, coupled with more dancing and energetic stage antics. But it was Keke who stole the show.
By 10pm it was over, but a roar of applause after the final song affirmed the recording’s success. “I feel God has shown up and has done His thing here tonight. To God be the glory,” said Keke.